Lapland Northern Lights: The Ultimate Guide

As you can imagine, the Northern Lights have inspired people since ancient times and have naturally become the subject of various legends and tales. The most popular interpretation of Aurora Borealis among Scandinavians suggested that this celestial event was nothing more nor less than the boundary separating the world of the living and the world of the dead.

​Continuing this theme, Norwegians considered that the Northern Lights were the souls of the dead, dancing in the sky. As for other myths, different tribes also considered Aurora Borealis to be the gleam of armors of Gods, or the lights from the windows of the Celestial Palace, or the omen for the future events. What fantasists these Scandinavians are! Or is there any truth in these legends? The choice is yours!

The best time to see the Northern Lights is from 10 p.m. till midnight, implying that the weather is frosty and the sky is totally clear. As a rule, your chances to catch the natural event are very strong in the period from November to the beginning of April. ​Moreover, take into consideration that watching Aurora Borealis in the city is quite undesirable because the whole “show” can be hampered by urban lighting.

As you can see, fairy tale Lapland is not all about the Christmas spirit. Magic lives everywhere in the region, far beyond the world-famous home of Santa Claus. Miracles in Finland are always somewhere around the corner, you just need to know where to look.

The Aurora Forecast is an essential guide for anyone eager to witness the Northern Lights in Lapland. This real-time tool helps you track solar activity, predicting when and where the auroras are most likely to appear. By monitoring factors like solar winds and geomagnetic storms, the forecast provides a detailed overview of the aurora’s intensity, visibility, and ideal viewing times. For the best chances of catching this breathtaking spectacle, check the forecast regularly, especially during peak aurora seasons from late autumn to early spring. With this valuable information, you can plan your adventures around the auroras, ensuring you don’t miss out on one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays. For accurate and up-to-date forecasts, you can rely on services like the Finnish Meteorological Institute's Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alert Realtime.

Photographing the Northern Lights in Lapland is an exhilarating experience, and with a few expert tips, you can capture the magic of this otherworldly spectacle. Start by using a camera with manual settings to control the exposure, allowing the auroras to shine through. Opt for a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to gather more light and showcase the expansive beauty of the sky. Set your ISO between 800 and 1600, and experiment with exposure times of 10 to 20 seconds to capture the perfect balance. A sturdy tripod is essential to eliminate any shake during long exposures.
For the best time to visit Lapland for Northern Lights, plan a trip to see the northern lights during the peak aurora season from late autumn to early spring, when the skies are dark enough to reveal this incredible phenomenon. To get the best shots, escape light pollution and head to dark, open spaces where the auroras appear in their full glory. With the right equipment, technique, and a little patience, you’ll be able to immortalize the breathtaking Northern Lights in all their splendor!

When it comes to chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, you have two main options: guided tours or a DIY adventure. Guided tours offer expert knowledge, taking you to the best spots for aurora viewing while sharing fascinating insights about the phenomenon. With local guides who know the region's weather patterns and ideal locations, you're more likely to catch the lights on your trip.
On the other hand, DIY chasing gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, allowing for a more personal and flexible experience.
However, it requires a bit more planning and research, as you'll need to track the weather, find dark, remote areas, and be ready to head out at a moment’s notice. Whether you choose a guided tour for convenience or go solo for adventure, both options offer their own unique way to experience Lapland’s magical auroras.